WO2007010544A2

WO2007010544A2 - Telescopic dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2007010544A2
Application number: PCT/IL2006/000849
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Sabag; Menashe Sasson
Original assignee: Moshe Sabag; Menashe Sasson
Priority date: 2005-07-21
Filing date: 2006-07-20
Publication date: 2007-01-25
Also published as: WO2007010544A3

Abstract

Device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, that comprises: a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of the ends; extendable members, each of which includes a proximal end, a distal end guide elements situated at each of the ends; a drum with a first and second spools and a shaft; an extension cable with a first end and a second end, passed around the guide elements, such that the first end is joined to the first spool; and a retraction cable with a first end and a second end, passed around the guide elements, wherein the first end is joined to the second spool. The extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of the drum in a first direction. The extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of the drum in an opposite direction.

Description

TELESCOPIC DISPENSING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a telescopic dispensing device. In particular, the present invention relates to a device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge.

Background of the Invention

In order to dispense the contents of an elongated cartridge such as a caulking tube, a dispensing gun may be used. Dispensing guns typically comprise a dispensing mechanism such as a rod, which is aligned behind the base of the cartridge, along their longitudinal axis, and driving means for driving the rod into the slidable base. As the base is pushed toward the front end of the cartridge, the contents of the cartridge is urged toward the opening at the front end, and forced to exit therefrom. Dispensing guns are as well known as they are diverse, and, as such, range in factors such as cost, weight, size and driving means.

Typically, the rod is comprised of a single rigid member, which must be essentially the length of a cartridge in order to be capable of pushing the base the entire length of the cartridge, to the opening. Therefore, when mounting a new cartridge to the device, the length of the device is essentially doubled.

Cartridge dispensing guns are used in a wide variety of applications, including applying sealant at hard to reach places such as underneath a bathroom sink, or injecting medicine into large animals such as elephants and cows. It is understood that for these and other applications the dispensing device must be compact and easy to handle. Hence, utilizing such a long and bulky device for these types of applications is difficult and awkward.

The driving means that drives the rod of prior art cartridge dispensing guns may be activated pneumatically or by power supplied, from the electrical main or from a battery. Depending on, among other factors, the driving means, and its source of power, the entire dispensing gun nαa3>- weigh up to 3kg. For a professional user, or even a home DIY (do-it- yourself) user, carrying such a dispensing gun around from job to job is burdensome and, hence, undesirable.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a compact device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device that is light-weight.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device that is inexpensive to produce.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device having a locking mechanism in order to secure a cartridge to the device.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a dispensing device having a small number of moving parts.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the application proceeds. Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device comprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having a first spool, a second spool and a shaft; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, said extension cable comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is joined to said first spool; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, said retraction cable comprising a first end a second end, wherein said first end is joined to said second spool; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction.

Each extendable member is nested within the fixed member, and along the same longitudinal axis as the fixed member.

The fixed member and each extendable member comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that are connected via the guide elements.

When the extendable members are extended, the extension cable is wound around the first spool, and the retraction cable is unwound from second spool. When the extendable members are retracted, the retraction cable is wound around the second spool and the extension cable is unwound from the first spool.

The second end of the extension cable may be secured to any one of the group consisting of: a. the first spool; b. a guide element.

The second end of the retraction cable may be secured to any one of the group consisting of: a. the second spool; b. a guide element.

The present invention further relates to a locking mechanism for securing an elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: a. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment; b. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer cylinder, wherein a gap is formed between said outer cylinder and said inner tube, for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; c. a base portion having a passage for allowing an extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

The segment comprises a thin portion and a thick portion.

The inner tube further comprises an outer ring threadingly engaged with the outer cylinder. The present invention further relates to a device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device comprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having at least one spool; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; f. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: i. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment; ii. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; iϋ. a base portion having a passage for allowing a extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder. The present invention further relates to a dispensing gun for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said gun comprising: a. a driving mechanism; b. a hand grip for housing said driving mechanism; c. a trigger for actuating said driving mechanism. d. a barrel for accommodating a dispensing device driven by said driving mechanism, wherein said dispensing device is situated within said barrel, and wherein said device comprises: i. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; ii. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; iii. a drum having at least one spool; iv. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; v. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; vi. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising:

1. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment;

2. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; 3. a base portion having a passage for allowing an extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

The present invention further relates to a device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device comprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having at least one spool and a shaft for rotating said drum; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; f. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: i. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference- having an inwardly protruding segment; ii. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; iii. a base portion having a passage for allowing a extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said shaft is removably insertable to a power tool, and said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said shaft in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said shaft in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

The power tool may be chosen from any one of the group consisting of: a. a drill gun; b. a power screw driver.

Brief Description of the Figures

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic dispensing device of the present invention in a retracted position;

Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic dispensing device of the present invention in an extended position;

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic dispensing device of the present invention as shown in Fig. 1, without the upper surface of each member;

- Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of Fig. 2, wherein the device is in an extended position; Fig. 5 illustrates a cross- sectional view taken along B-B of Fig. 1, wherein the device is in a retracted position;

- Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic dispensing device of the present invention as shown in Fig. 2, without the upper surface of each member;

Figs. 7a - 7c illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention, wherein only one guide member is situated at each end of each extendable member;

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the telescopic dispensing device of the present invention, having a locking mechanism and a cartridge secured thereto;

Figs. 9a and 9b illustrate a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the present invention in unlocked (Fig. 9a) and locked (Fig. 9b) positions;

Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the locking mechanism of the present invention, having a cartridge secured thereto;

Figs. 11a and lib illustrate front perspective views of a cartridge secured to the locking mechanism of the present invention, in unlocked (Fig. lla) and locked (Fig. lib) positions;

- Figs. 12a and 12b illustrate front views of Figs, lla and lib; - Fig. 13 illustrates a side view of the device of the present invention, situated within the barrel of a dispensing gun, and having an elongated cartridge attached thereto;

- Fig. 14 illustrates a side view of the device of the present invention inserted to the chuck of a drill gun, and having an elongated cartridge attached thereto;

- Fig. 15a illustrates an exploded view of the components of the present invention; and

- Fig. 15b illustrates an enlarged view of a preferred embodiment of the drum of the present invention.

The present invention is defined by the claims, the contents of which are to be read as included within the disclosure of the specification, and will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying Figures.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

The present invention is directed to a device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge. Whereas prior art dispensing devices comprise a single elongated driving rod, and may be heavy and large, the present invention comprises a telescopically -extending and retracting driving rod, which is compact and lightweight, for the same application.

The terms, "proximal" and "distal" as used herein refer to the position of elements (or different aspects of a single element) relative to each other with respect to the shaft, wherein "proximal" describes an element nearer to the shaft and "distal" describes an element more distant from the shaft. The term "cable" as used herein refers to any rope, wire or belt that may be passed around guide elements, and wound and unwound around the drum as required in the present invention, and described herein.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing device, generally designated by the numeral (1), comprises an outer, fixed member (10), a first inner extendable member (20) nested within the outer member (10) and along the same longitudinal axis as outer member (10), and a second inner extendable member (30) nested within the first inner extendable member (20), and along the same longitudinal axis as first inner extendable member (20), thereby forming a telescopic assembly of members (10), (20), (30). Fig. 1 shows device (1) in a retracted, (or stowed) position, and Fig. 2 shows device (1) in an extended position.

Still referring to Figs. 1 and 2, each member (10), (20), (30) comprises an upper surface (12), (22), (32) that is connected to a lower surface (14), (24), (34) by guide elements (50)-(59) (wherein guide elements (57) and (58) can be seen in Fig. 3). Guide elements, (50), (52), (54), (56), (58) are situated at the proximal ends of each member (10), (20), (30), and guide elements, (51), (53), (55), (57), (59) are situated at the distal ends of each member (10), (20), (30). As best seen in Fig. 15a, which shows all of the elements of the present invention in an exploded view, proximal ends of outer member (10) comprise arms (12a), (12b) and (14a), (14b), which extend past the proximal ends of inner members (20), (30).

Referring to Fig. 3, but best seen in Fig. 15b, drum (90) comprises proximal spool (92) and distal spool (94), separated by dividing wall (97). Shaft (96) extends from proximal wall (93), and extension (98) extends from distal wall (95). As seen in Fig. 3, extension (98) is lodged in the opening in wall (99), and shaft (96) extends through proximal wall (18) of device (1).

Continuing to refer to Fig. 3, a perspective view of device (1) as shown in Fig. 1 is shown without upper surfaces (12), (22), (32). One end (82) of retraction cable (80) is secured to the proximal end of outer member (10) at arm (14a). Retraction cable (80) is passed successively around guide elements (57), (55), (56), (59), (52), (53), (51), (50), and joined, at its other end, to proximal spool (92) of drum (90). Similarly, one end (72) of extension cable (70) is secured to the proximal end of outer member (10), at arm (12b). Since upper surface (12) and arm (12b) are not shown in Fig. 3, secured end (72) of extension cable (70) appears in Fig. 3 as "floating" above arm (14b). Nevertheless, it is understood that, as can be seen in Fig. 1, end (72) of extension cable (70) is, in fact, secured at arm (12b). Extension cable (70) is passed successively around guide elements (51)- (58), and joined, at its other end, to distal spool (94) of drum (90).

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of Fig. 2, of device (1), wherein upper surfaces (12), (22), (32) of members (10), (20), (30) are in an extended position, and wherein extension cable (70) is wound about distal spool (94) of drum (90). In this position, retraction cable (80), not shown in the figure, is unwound. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along B- B of Fig. 1, wherein lower surfaces (14), (24), (34) are in a retracted position, and wherein retraction cable (80) is wound about proximal spool (92) of drum (90). In this position, extension cable (70), not shown in the figure, is unwound.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 6, when device (1) is in a retracted position (Fig. 3), by rotating the shaft (96) of drum (90) about its axis (16) in one direction, shown by arrow (88), extension cable (70) is drawn toward arm (14a), around guide element (58), and about distal spool (94) in the same direction. This causes inner member (30), followed by inner member (20), to extend out of outer member (10), to an extended position (Fig. 6). Concurrently, retraction cable (80) is drawn by the extending inner members (20), (30), which causes retraction cable (80) to unwind from distal spool (92). When device (1) is in an extended position (Fig. 6), by rotating the shaft (96) of drum (90) about its axis (16) in the opposite direction, shown by arrow (S6), retraction cable (80) is drawn toward arm (14b) around guide element (50), and about proximal spool (92) in the opposite direction. This causes inner member (30), followed by inner member (20), to return into outer member (10), to a retracted position (Fig. 3). Concurrently, extension cable (70) is drawn by the retracting inner members (20), (30), which causes extension cable (70) to unwind from distal spool (94).

Partition (35) extends longitudinally between guide elements (54) and (59), and provides additional support to device (1) as well as prevents entanglement of cables (70) and (80).

In an alternative embodiment, referring to Figs. 7a — 7c, device (1) comprises only one guide element at each end of each extendable member (10), (20), (30). Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of device (1) in an extended position, wherein one end (72a) of extension cable (70a) is secured to guide element (54), passed successively around guide elements (55), (56), (57), (58), and joined, at its other end, to distal spool (94) of drum (90). Fig. 7a further shows one end (82a) of retraction cable (80a) is secured to guide element (59), and passed successively around guide elements (56), (55), (57), (58), and joined, at its other end, to proximal spool (92) of drum (90). In a retracted position (Fig.7b), retraction cable (80a) is wound around proximal spool (92) in one direction, and in an extended position (Fig. 7c), extension cable (70) is wound around distal spool (94) in an opposite direction. Hence, when rotating shaft (90), one cable (70a) or (80a) wounds around, and the other unwinds from its respective spool (94) or (92), depending on whether extension or retraction of members (20), (30) is taking place. Extendable members (20), (30) are extendable and retractable according to the operations as described above.

Alternatively, instead of extension cable (70a) being secured to guide element (54) at one end (72a), and joined at its other end to distal spool (94) of drum (90), extension cable (70a) may be joined at both ends to distal spool (94) of drum (90) (not shown in the figures). This may be accomplished by appropriate^ wounding extension cable (70a) around guide element (54), and successively passing extension cable (70a) back around guide elements (55), (56), (57), (58), and joining to distal spool (94). Similarly, retraction cable (80a) may be joined at both ends to proximal spool (92) by appropriately wounding retraction cable (80a) around guide element (59), and successively passing retraction cable (80a) back around guide elements (56), (55), (57), (58), and joining to proximal spool (92).

According to a preferred embodiment, device (1) comprises locking mechanism (100) for securing the cartridge thereto, shown in Fig. 8 joined to the distal end of outer member (10). Locking mechanism (100), shown in unlocked (Fig. 9a) and locked (Fig. 9b) positions, comprises outer cylinder (110) and inner tube (120) (see also Fig. 15a). Gap (130) is formed between outer cylinder (110) and inner tube (120), for receiving an elongated cartridge, as described herein below. A segment (111), situated along a portion of the inner circumference of outer cylinder (110), comprises grooved surface (112), thin portion (Ilia) and thick portion (111b). The proximal end (116) of the inner circumference of outer cylinder (110) (see Fig. 10) is threaded for engaging with inner tube (120), as described below. Fig. 10 shows cartridge (2) inserted to locking mechanism (100), cut in a longitudinal cross section. Inner tube (120) comprises threaded outer ring (122) for engaging the proximal end (116) of outer cylinder (110). Cylindrical base extension (3) of cartridge (2) is inserted to the gap (130). Locking mechanism further comprises base (126) for affixing to outer member (10), and passage (128) for allowing extendable members (20), (30) to pass therethrough.

Figs. 11a and lib show a front perspective view of cartridge (2) inserted to locking mechanism (100), in unlocked (Fig. lla) and locked (Fig. lib) positions. Upon insertion of cartridge (2) to locking mechanism (100) in the unlocked position (Fig. lla), outer cylinder (110) is rotated about its axis in the direction of thin portion (Ilia) of segment (111) shown by arrow (114), until grooved surface (112) is in tight contact with the outer circumference of cartridge (2) (Fig. lib).

The operation of the locking mechanism is best understood from Figs. 12a and 12b, which show the front view of Figs, lla and lib. Although inner tube (120) is not seen in the figure, as it is covered by cartridge (2), it must be understood that inner tube (120) is situated concentrically with respect to cartridge (2). In contrast, inner tube (120), (as well as cartridge (2)), is off-center (i.e. eccentric) with respect to outer cylinder (110). This is noticeable from the difference between the upper distance (Dl) of cartridge (2) to outer cylinder (110), and the lower distance (D2) of cartridge (2) to outer cylinder (110), wherein upper distance (Dl) is greater than lower distance (D2). In an unlocked position, shown in Fig. 12a, segment (111) is positioned such that the radial distance between cartridge (2) and outer cylinder (110) is greater than the thickness (Tl), (T2) of each of the thin and thick portions (Ilia), (111b). Thus, in an unlocked position, segment (111) is preferably not in contact, or at least not in tight contact with, inner tube (120). Fig. 12b shows cartridge (2) secured in place, after rotating outer cylinder (110) in the direction, shown by arrow (114), of thin portion (Ilia), until grooved surface (112) is in tight contact with the circumference of cartridge (2) such that a large factional force exists between the cartridge (2) and the segment (111).

Referring to Fig. 13, according to one embodiment, device (1) is situated in the barrel (42) of dispensing gun (40). Shaft (96) is lodged in the driving mechanism, which, in this embodiment takes the form of motor (44), which causes shaft (96), and drum (90) to rotate, thereby drawing extension cable (70) and retraction cable (80), as described above. Batteries (46) are situated in the hand grip (48), and are connected to motor (44) via wiring, not shown in the figure. A trigger (not shown), typically situated conveniently on hand grip (48) is selectively pressed and released in order to activate motor (44). A control device (not shown) is located on gun (40) for controlling the direction of rotation of motor (44).

Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 14, device (1) may be removably inserted to anjr rotating mechanism or power tool such as a standard drill gun (60), or power screw driver (not shown in the figures). In this case, shaft (96) is inserted to a chuck (62) and secured in place, as known in the art. The drill gun (60) may rotate shaft (96) in opposing directions, as is well known in the art, which causes drum to rotate and draw extension cable (70) or retraction cable (80), as desired.

Although two inner extendable members (20), (30) are shown and described herein, according to the present invention, the device (1) can comprise only one inner extendable member, or a plurality of inner extendable members, mutatis mutandis, for telescopically extending and returning to extended and retracted positions. Nevertheless, fewer extendable members are preferred in order to reduce the complexity of the device. Additionally, although the retraction and extension cables are described herein as being passed around the guide elements, it is understood that any manner of passing the cables, including through or under the guide element, mutatis mutandis, m.2cy be employed.

The device (1) may be used for dispensing the contents of cartridges for applications including, but not limited to, sealing or bonding, or injection of the contents for medicinal or other purposes. The contents of the cartridges vnscy include, but is not limited to, silicone, latex, self-leveling materials, epoxy, urethane and flowable medicaments. Moreover, the cartridge may be for single or multiple use applications.

While in the foregoing description describes in detail only a few specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that other variations in form and details may be possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention herein disclosed or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device comprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having a first spool, a second spool and a shaft; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, said extension cable comprising a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is joined to said first spool; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, said retraction cable comprising a first end a second end, wherein said first end is joined to said second spool; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein each extendable member is nested within the fixed member, and along the same longitudinal axis as the fixed member.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the fixed member and each extendable member comprises an upper surface and a lower surface that are connected via the guide elements.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein when the extendable members are extended, the extension cable is wound around the first spool, and the retraction cable is unwound from second spool.

5. A device according to claim 4, wherein when the extendable members are retracted, the retraction cable is wound around the second spool and the extension cable is unwound from the first spool.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the extension cable may be secured to any one of the group consisting of: a. the first spool; b. a guide element.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the retraction cable may be secured to any one of the group consisting of: a. the second spool; b. a guide element.

8. A locking mechanism for securing an elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: a. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment; b. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer cylinder, wherein a gap is formed between said outer cylinder and said inner tube, for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; c. a base portion having a passage for allowing an extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

9. A locking mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the segment comprises a thin portion and a thick portion.

10. A locking mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the inner tube further comprises an outer ring threadiiigly engaged with the outer cylinder.

11. A device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device coraprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having at least one spool; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; f. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: i. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment; ii. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; iii. a base portion having a passage for allowing a extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

12. A dispensing gun for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said gun comprising: a. a driving mechanism; b. a hand grip for housing said driving mechanism; c. a trigger for actuating said driving mechanism. d. a barrel for accommodating a dispensing device driven by said driving mechanism, wherein said dispensing device is situated within said barrel, and wherein said device comprises: i. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; ii. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; iii. a drum having at least one spool; iv. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; v. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; vi. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising:

2. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein;

3. a base portion having a passage for allowing a extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said drum in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said drum in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

13. A device for dispensing the contents of an elongated cartridge, said device comprising: a. a fixed member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; b. at least one extendable member, each extendable member comprising a proximal end, a distal end and at least one guide element situated at each of said ends; c. a drum having at least one spool and a shaft for rotating said drum; d. an extension cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; e. a retraction cable passed around at least some of said guide elements, and joined at at least one end to said drum; f. a locking mechanism for securing said elongated cartridge in place, said mechanism comprising: i. an outer cylinder comprising an inner circumference having an inwardly protruding segment; ii. an inner tube situated off-center to said outer ring, wherein a gap is formed between said outer ring and said inner tube for inserting one end of said cartridge therein; iϋ. a base portion having a passage for allowing a extendable member to pass therethrough; wherein said shaft is removably insertable to a power tool, and said extendable members are extendable to an extended position upon rotation of said shaft in a first direction, and wherein said extendable members are returnable to a retracted position upon rotation of said shaft in an opposite direction, and wherein said cartridge is securable in said gap upon rotation of said outer cylinder.

14. A device according to claim 13, wherein the power tool may be chosen from any one of the group consisting of: a. a drill gun; b. a power screw driver.